WATCH: Ian Thorpe to discuss sexuality in Michael Parkinson interview

Former Olympic swimmer Ian Thorpe will go head-to-head with English talkshow host Michael Parkinson in an upcoming tell-all interview.

Parkinson will address the continous speculation regarding Thorpe's sexuality, alongside the Olympian's battle with depression and his illustrious career - no question being off limits.

In a trailer for the show airing on July 13 in Australia, Parkinson asks "You've always said that you're not gay, is all of that true?"

While Thorpe looks uncomfortable and emotional after being asked the million dollar question, the response will certainly be the talking point of many in the lead-up to the show, considering he has consistently denied he is gay. His autobiography This is Me putting the rumours to bed:

"I am not gay and all my sexual experiences have been straight.

"The thing that I find hurtful about it is that people are questioning my integrity and what I say. That's the only part I find hurtful, that this is something I would be embarrassed about and that I would hide. ... I try to explain it but I don't know either, but I think it's because I don't fit into the typical stereotype of what a straight athlete would be in the past."

Since his retirement from competitive swimming in 2013 due to a shoulder injury -Thorpe is Australia's most successful Olympian winning five gold, three silver and one bronze Olympic medals - he has publicly struggled with his health, both phyiscally and emotionally, a topic which Parkinson seeks to explore on a deeper level.

"His fight against depression offers a unique insight into the darker side of celebrity and success,' Parkinson said in a statement released by Ten."

"What fascinates me most about Ian is that apart from the very beginning of his career, he never seemed to enjoy and celebrate his success. It will be interesting to find out the reasons why.

Watch the trailer for the interview

Ian Thorpe: The Parkinson Interview airs on Sunday July 13 at 6:30pm on TEN.